The Classical Hollywood Cinema - by David Bordwell & Janet Staiger & Kristin Thompson (Paperback)

About the Book

How films are conceived, planned, and produced leaves a mark upon the films, directly and structurally. The relations between film style and mode of production are, according to the authors, reciprocal and mutually influencing. The authors trace such topics as style, economics, and technology over time, demonstrating how significant changes occurrred in Hollywood from the earliest days through the sixties.

Book Synopsis

How films are conceived, planned, and produced leaves a mark upon the films, directly and structurally. The relations between film style and mode of production are, according to the authors, reciprocal and mutually influencing. The authors trace such topics as style, economics, and technology over time, demonstrating how significant changes occurrred in Hollywood from the earliest days through the sixties

Review Quotes

"A tour de force... destined to become itself a classic in film studies and a magnificent introduction to the American cinema for a much wider audience... 'The Classical Hollywood Cinema' will surely arouse discussion and debate--how could it not, since no one who studies film at whatever level can henceforth ignore it."-- "American Film"

"This brilliant achievement will not soon be surpassed. It will be the foundation for all future research in the field..."-- "Choice"

About the Author

David Bordwell is Professor of Film at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and head of the Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research.

Janet Staiger is Assistant Professor of Cinema Studies at New York University.

Kristin Thompson is Honorary Fellow at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.